The simple, one-step connection via a smart phone to the men and women patrolling the campus eliminates the cumbersome process of dialing the University’s 10-digit phone number, waiting for the automated attendant and then punching in Campus Security’s four-digit extension, 3200.

Another way to connect with Campus Security is by dialing extension 3200 using an on-campus payphone. There are also 106 emergency phones on campus that directly connect with Campus Security.

With the app, one click prompts a giant red button with a phone receiver to appear, which Android users simply touch to activate a call while BlackBerry users connect using their track pad.

The app works anywhere but, Speers warned, it only connects with Campus Security.

“It’s not a substitute for 911,” he said. “This is for on-campus issues that happen.”

The app, called Campus Security Hotline, can be downloaded from Android and BlackBerry app stores. Posters are also appearing throughout campus and on buses with QR codes that connect directly to the app for downloading.

QR code decals will also be affixed to Campus Security vehicles to download the app as well, Speers said.